What's the Best Healthcare Policy for Americans?

The Nation (and especially Capitol Hill) is buzzing about whether or not Obamacare will become a real reality. The upcoming elections will certainly include topics as to whether or not we can afford to spend the money. But hey, who cares right? Who cares if our new president is reaching out to help our fellow Americans? Here’s the thing: People are dying not only from hunger, but also from the lack of proper healthcare. Some are reacting as if this concern by our President is a crime. And though I have my own doubts about the Act, I’m not seeing the crime in the attempt.

I admit the plan is a bit flawed. But, is there really such thing as perfection? I know some say it gives the government too much control over people’s healthcare decisions. Maybe so, but what’s the other option? Let’s see, in the one hand we have unhealthy people and control of our own lives & in the other hand we have healthy people and government control of our lives (at least that’s what the critics say). Ummm. Let me see….

Last week, as I sat and watched CTN, I learned all the ins and outs of ‘Obamacare’. They were discussing the US Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act. It’s actually called the ‘Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.’ And, I have to admit that there are some parts of the original plan that bother me. For example, I have mixed feelings about the mandate that everyone must purchase private health insurance or pay a fine. I still believe in the necessity of ‘the right to make choices.’ As you can see, I too question the lack of control within this new Act.

Recently, I asked around a bit in order to find out how many people know the specifics of this Act. What I ascertained was that few had any knowledge of what it entailed.

So here it is. According to useconomy.about.com, with Obamacare:

• You could add your children on your insurance plan until they are 26
• Your insurance company couldn’t drop you, if you got sick
• The insurance company couldn’t limit the coverage you receive over your lifetime
• If you have a child that is chronically ill, you could not lose coverage if you change your insurance. (No pre-existing condition issues)
• If you have a pre-existing condition and get denied, you can get temporary health insurance until 2014 (which is when insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to adults).
• You may receive a rebate this year from your insurance company. If insurance companies don’t spend 80% of the premium payments on medical services, the money comes back to you.
• Insurance companies must submit justification to the states for all rate hikes. Obamacare provides funding to the states to administer this.
• Co-pays for wellness and pregnancy exams may be eliminated. Only plans that were “grandfathered in” were exempt from this Obamacare law.

The thought is that over time we will not only have healthier people but also lower premiums for everyone. And, though I don’t like all of it, I do know that as a country we have to start taking better care of our people.

Parts of this Affordable Care Act have already been put in action, as of two years ago. These are the parts that say insurance plans must cover preventative services and it stops companies from dropping sick people.

Other parts, like the mandate that states have to add people to Medicaid, were deemed unlawful. Yet, many states will take advantage of this anyway. The court also ruled that the government does not have the right to mandate that people must buy health insurance from a private company. But, they said the government does have the right to tax those that don’t buy health insurance.

Where does this leave our citizens? Well, I believe that we can answer that more clearly when this November’s election has come to a close. Many Republican candidates (including Romney) have made it clear that they would make a point to try and repeal the Act. So, if the Democrats don’t maintain some control, we can probably say bye to Obamacare.

In the meantime, I hope that more people will make themselves aware of the specifics. That way we can all make informed decisions. Discuss it with your family, friends and co-workers. Help each other understand. I posed questions to people in my circle as to whether or not they were pleased with the government’s attempt at healthcare reform.

“Actually I really couldn’t speak on it because I really don’t know,” said Durval, a 44 year old from New Haven.

This was a common response among many that I asked. But, some had interesting, informed thoughts to share.

“I think Obamacare is  our best chance of becoming a country with healthy people who are less stressed…Obama in my opinion…is like Captain Kirk, boldly going where no one has been before,” said Kelly a 43 year old from Cheshire.

It’s never fun to discuss touchy topics. Yet, I must ask everyone how they feel. How do you feel about this Healthcare Reform Act? Are you for or against it? And, if you are against it, do you already have healthcare? If you are for it, do you already have healthcare?

Other countries have national healthcare provisions. Why can’t we make it work?